Background Investigator - Public Safety Civilian

This is a civilian, non-TCOLE-certified position and does not require peace officer licensure. The Background Investigator is a civilian professional staff position within the Human Resources Division responsible for conducting comprehensive pre‑employment background investigations for all applicants seeking employment with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. This position independently gathers, verifies, analyzes, and documents sensitive personal, criminal, financial, employment, and educational information to assess applicant suitability for employment in a public safety environment. The Background Investigator applies departmental hiring standards, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements where applicable, and county and agency policies to prepare detailed investigative reports and recommendations for supervisory and command‑level review. This position plays a critical role in protecting the integrity of the agency by ensuring that all candidates are evaluated in a fair, consistent, legally defensible, and confidential manner. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Conduct fair and impartial background investigations on assigned applicants, adhering to all applicable Departmental and Section Policies and Procedures. Ensure timely processing of all applicants while verifying employment history, education credentials, criminal records, and other relevant background information, including a detailed credit check. Conduct background investigations specifically for all Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensed applicants. Extract and organize pertinent information, including but not limited to criminal history and employment history, to generate comprehensive reports for review by the Sergeants in Background Investigations to assess applicant suitability. Enter and maintain candidate background data in law enforcement databases while ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of all records. Create and maintain detailed background investigation files in accordance with departmental policies. Facilitate and coordinate the exchange of background information between internal divisions, bureaus, and external law enforcement agencies. Attend all Roll Call meetings as required. Maintain county‑issued equipment and inventory as directed or required. Represent the Harris County Sheriff’s Office professionally and positively at all times. Adhere to all contractual obligations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies governing contract investigators. Investigators are required to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in accordance with state and federal regulations. Performs other assignments and duties as required and/or necessary. This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Education / Training / Licensure Applicants must meet one of the following qualification pathways: A) Civilian Professional Investigator Pathway (Preferred) Education: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field OR Associate’s degree in a related field plus two (2) additional years of directly related Law Enforcement Investigation experience. Experience: Two (2) or more years of experience conducting background investigations, internal investigations, compliance reviews, and suitability assessments in a Law Enforcement environment. Experience reviewing and verifying criminal history, financial responsibility, employment records, education, and personal references Experience preparing written investigative summaries or reports for supervisory or executive‑level review B) Prior Peace Officer Pathway (Experience-Based Equivalency) Education: High School Diploma or GED Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of full‑time sworn law enforcement experience. Experience in investigations, internal affairs, recruiting, training, background investigations, or other assignments involving personnel evaluation or suitability determinations. Prior peace officer experience may be considered in lieu of college education; however, the position remains a civilian professional staff role and does not require active peace officer certification. Additional Requirements (All Applicants) Valid Texas Driver’s License. Must meet and maintain all Harris County Sheriff’s Office employment standards. Must be eligible for access to criminal justice information systems and law enforcement databases (CJIS). Must successfully complete all required background investigator training, CJIS compliance training, and continuing education as directed. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of background investigation principles, ethical standards, and best practices related to public safety employment. Knowledge of criminal history systems, credit reporting processes, and employment and education verification methods. Knowledge of confidentiality laws, CJIS security requirements, and data protection standards. Ability to evaluate patterns of behavior, credibility, and risk indicators related to law enforcement and detention suitability. Ability to apply departmental hiring standards, policies, and regulatory requirements in assessing applicant fitness. Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills with sound professional judgment. Strong written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear, thorough, and legally defensible investigative reports. Ability to conduct professional interviews, including sensitive or difficult discussions, neutrally and objectively. Ability to manage multiple investigations simultaneously while meeting established timelines. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling highly sensitive personal information. Proficiency in standard office software and law enforcement or HR information systems. Knowledge of CJIS compliance requirements and data security standards. Prior experience conducting sworn, detention, cadet, lateral, or reserve background investigations within a law enforcement agency. Experience using OPEN FOX/LOOK/DIMS/JOTS/HC LENS, Superion/RMS. Formal training or certification in background investigations or workplace investigations. NACOLE (National Association of Correctional Law Enforcement) background investigator training. Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) training. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. SHRM Workplace Investigations Certificate or similar HR investigation training. Prior formal training in suitability determinations for law enforcement or public safety agencies Location 5749 S. Loop East, Houston, TX 77033 Position Type and Typical Hours of Work This is a full‑time position. Days and hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; hours may vary based on the department's business needs. Normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditioning. Disclaimer This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or contractual obligations. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time, as needed, in alignment with agency needs and contractual terms. Equal Opportunity Statement Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Harris County Sheriff's Office